HL Deb 28 July 2000 vol 616 cc126-7WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will list the dates and locations of known punishment beatings undertaken by terrorist organisations in Northern Ireland between 1 January and 30 June 2000; and how this total compares with the same period in 1999. [HL3245]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

The attached table shows the number of paramilitary-style shootings and assaults during the periods 1 January to 30 June 1999 and 2000. We do not keep separate figures on the locations but by far the largest number take place in the Greater Belfast area.

members of the House of Commons, for correspondence on parliamentary business.[HL3456]

The Chairman of Committees (Lord Boston of Faversham)

No. Expenditure by Members of the House incurred on parliamentary business may be recovered within limits set by resolutions of the House. Responsibility for tabling these resolutions lies with the Government and they are moved by the Leader of the House. Changes to the Peers' Reimbursement Allowance Scheme proposed by the Government have usually followed recommendations made by the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB).

The cost of postage arising from correspondence in connection with parliamentary business is one of the items which Lords may claim under the Secretarial Allowance. The SSRB have, in the past, taken into account the cost of postage when recommending the maximum sum which may be claimed for this allowance.

Lord Marlesford

asked the Chairman of Committees:

What arrangements exist for free postage for Peers communicating with (a) other members of the House of Lords, (b) members of the House of Commons, (c) Ministers, (d) Government Departments and (e) other public bodies. [HL3457]

The Chairman of Committees:

(a) and (b) Members may use the free internal mail system for sending any mail within the Parliamentary estate, including to Lords and Members of Parliament. If the Lord or Member of Parliament has given instructions for mail to be forwarded to a different address, the appropriate House will bear the cost.

(c), (d) and (e) The Mail Room off Peers' lobby will accept unstamped mail for any official buildings within the M.25 which are covered by the InterDespatch Service (IDS). A list of IDS Call

Staff of the House of Lords as at 1 April 2000
Band Total No. White Ethnic Minority Male Female
Senior Structure 20 20 — 18 (90%) 2 (10%)
Band A (Officers) 31 31 — 19(61.3%) 12 (38.7%
Band B (Higher Executive Officer/Senior Executive Officer etc.) 50 50 — 23 (46%) 27 (54%)
Band C (Executive Officer/Personal Sees./Doorkeepers) 103 96 (93.2%) 7 (6.8%) 43(41.7%) 60 (58.3%)
Band D (Clerical/Attendant/Chef) 45 40 (88.9%) 5 (11.1%) 32 (71.1%) 13 (28.9%)
Band E (Catering Staff, Housekeepers etc.) 100 71 (71%) 29 (29%) 28 (28%) 72 (72%)
Total: 349 308 (88.3%) 41 (11.7%) 163 (46.7%) 186 (53.3%)